- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin issues
- ACT and CBT methods
About Michael
Michael Peterson is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) practicing in Illinois with five years of clinical experience. He works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship concerns, and family of origin issues. He also addresses ADHD, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, career stress, and coping with life changes.
He uses straightforward conversation to identify patterns people carry from their upbringing. Sessions focus on what shows up now - thoughts, behaviors, and routines that cause repeated stress. He offers practical ways to try new responses and notices small shifts over time.
His background includes a range of social work roles such as case worker, crisis clinician, and therapist. That mix informs a practical, problem-solving approach to common day-to-day struggles. He draws on methods that guide behavior change and present-moment awareness.
Therapeutic methods Michael uses include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. These approaches are used to address things like anxiety, addictive behaviors, and family patterning.
Sessions tend to be conversational and goal-focused. Early meetings look at what matters most to the person and which patterns from their family of origin keep appearing. From there, he and the client choose techniques to test between sessions and refine as needed.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and clarify personal values, then practice small actions that align with those values. It is often useful for anxiety, avoidance, and recurring family-of-origin patterns.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that keep problems in place. It lends itself to practical exercises and homework that can be tracked between sessions.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, non-directive conversation where the person sets the pace and goals. It supports people who need space to sort through feelings and decisions.
Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques, and adjust methods based on the client’s goals and preferences. That shared testing helps find what actually helps in daily life.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and reduce travel time. These practical benefits often help people maintain consistency while they work on shifting long-standing patterns.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and family of origin issues, among other concerns listed in his profile.
What is his overall approach in sessions?
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused, combining behavior-oriented techniques and present-moment awareness to change unhelpful patterns.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He holds an LCSW and has five years of clinical experience working in social work roles and therapy settings.
Where is he licensed to practice?
He is licensed as an LCSW in Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and paid for?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a session with him?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.